Hearing about Invenergy expected to draw hundreds

FULL HOUSE: This was the scene during the Jan. 10 special meeting where the Town Council approved a plan to sell water to supply Invenergy’s proposed power plant in Burrillville.

(File photo)

Posted
Thursday, October 5, 2017 2:06 pm

There are 32 Rhode Island municipalities opposed to a controversial $1 billion natural gas-fired power plant proposed by Invenergy. Now individuals, businesses and other interested parties will have their final chance to voice their opposition as the Energy Facility Siting Board holds its last public comment session on Oct. 10, 2017.

“The majority of communities are against this plant which, although proposed for the Town of Burrillville, will impact residents throughout Rhode Island,” said Michael Wood, Burrillville town manager. “We know that the proposed plant will ruin valuable forest land, harm our environment, and jeopardize native wildlife. And there are pressing concerns about the danger to the state’s air and water quality.”

The Town of Burrillville has invited the Governor to attend the October 10th Energy Facility Siting Board EFSB meeting, and is calling on her and other state elected officials to join the majority of cities and towns in opposition to the project.

The plant isn’t needed to provide energy for the region as evidenced by recent ISO New England findings that note the rise in green renewable energy sources. While the plant would be built by a private company (Invenergy) it will be partially funded by ratepayers who have already seen a jump in electric bills to pay for the construction.

“There are very real risks to Rhode Island’s environment and quality of life. Over and over, our state’s residents have stressed their commitment to open space and to protecting our clean air and water. We are in danger of losing our last stretch of contiguous forest and recreation areas. October 10th is Rhode Islanders’ last chance to once again defend our environment by opposing the Invenergy plant.”

The EFSB hearing will be held at the Burrillville High School Auditorium, 425 East Ave., Harrisville from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Those unable to testify in person can also submit written testimony to Todd Anthony Bianco, Coordinator, Energy Facility Siting Board, 89 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, Rhode Island 02888, or by email at todd.bianco@puc.ri.gov.